Héctor Bellerín: The Transformative Power of Literature in Football

Héctor Bellerín, the former Arsenal footballer and current player for Real Betis, has gained admiration for his literary pursuits, expressing that literature has fundamentally transformed his life. In an interview conducted on July 19, 2025, Bellerín shared insights into his reading habits and the impact of literature on his personal development, particularly during the isolating periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bellerín's Instagram account paints a vivid picture of his literary journey, showcasing a diverse range of books primarily from Spanish and South American authors. His reading list includes Alana Portero’s acclaimed novels, which explore queer life in 1980s Madrid, Juan Rulfo’s surrealist classic *Pedro Páramo*, and Federico García Lorca’s *Gypsy Ballads*. He attributes his literary awakening to the onset of the pandemic, stating, "Literature has become something that has – and I know it’s a cliche – but to me, it has completely changed my life."

During the lockdown, Bellerín turned to the works of Charles Bukowski, finding solace in the autobiographical narratives of *Hollywood* and *Post Office*. Reflecting on that tumultuous period, he noted, "I was miserable in quarantine... I didn’t know when football was going to come back. Literature, I’m not gonna say made me survive, but it made my life way easier."

Bellerín’s literary interests extend beyond mere entertainment; he has become a vocal advocate for various social causes, including sustainability in sports and mental health awareness through art. His upbringing, steeped in literature, was influenced by his father's passion for ancient Greece, which inspired his first name. However, he admits that his earlier reading habits were predominantly non-fiction and lacked the joy of literary exploration.

After initially reading predominantly male authors, Bellerín made a conscious effort to diversify his reading list, incorporating works by women such as the Nobel laureate Han Kang and contemporary Spanish writers like José Luis Sastre and Carolina Yuste. "I think Bellerín is a reader who doesn’t simply follow mainstream trends," noted Sergio C Fanjul, a cultural commentator at *El País*. "He is closely attuned to the pulse of the publishing world."

In addition to his reading, Bellerín participates in a weekly writing group in Seville, where he collaborates with individuals from various professional backgrounds, sharing recommendations that have expanded his literary tastes. This group has introduced him to contemporary Spanish authors and has fostered a sense of community around literature.

Despite his literary enthusiasm, Bellerín faced challenges with Emily Brontë's *Wuthering Heights*, admitting he struggled with the original English version before switching to the Spanish translation. This experience underscores the complexities of engaging with literature across languages.

As Bellerín continues his football career, he embraces literature as a vital aspect of his identity, demonstrating the profound connections between sports, culture, and personal growth. His journey illustrates how literature can serve as a transformative force, not only for athletes but for individuals across various fields, highlighting the importance of reading in navigating life's challenges.